A multi-million dollar package from the Queensland Government aims to incentivise vanadium, copper and phosphate mining in the North West Minerals Province.
The $30 million Mount Isa Mining Acceleration Program will expedite mining projects, focusing on projects that generate local jobs in a matter of months. More than 2500 jobs will be created over the next five years, unlocking new opportunities to support mine workers and the Mount Isa community.
The Acceleration Program funding will be allocated to three projects:
- Eva Copper Mine Project (Harmony Gold) – $20.7 million
- Paradise South Phosphate Mine (North West Phosphate) – $5.77 million
- Vecco Critical Minerals Project (Vecco Group) – $2.33 million
The three companies will advance the development of new copper, phosphate and vanadium mines. Upon completion, the mines are expected to generate almost 1000 long-term mining jobs, following a peak early works and construction workforce of 1600 jobs.
Harmony’s Eva mine, about 95km northeast of Mount Isa, will be one of the largest copper mines in Queensland.
The Eva Copper Mine Project will generate approximately 800 construction jobs and 450 jobs when in operation. It is expected to have a minimum life of 15 years.
The State Government is also providing funding to North West Phosphate’s Paradise South mine, about 130km northwest of Mount Isa.
The proposed Paradise South open-cut mine has a forecast resource of two million tonnes of phosphate ore per year and an initial life of at least 20 years.
This funding will bring the project forward by up to six months to ensure operations and jobs get underway sooner. Construction will commence within the next year.
The mine will generate 74 immediate jobs. By 2026, 492 construction jobs and 245 mining operations jobs will have been created.
Near Julia Creek, the proposed Vecco Critical Minerals Project will mine vanadium and high-purity alumina (HPA), crucial critical minerals that also support downstream battery production in Townsville.
The Vecco mine will engage 274 operational workers from 2026, following construction starting this year and generating 300 jobs in 2025 and 2026.
The Mount Isa Mining Acceleration Program is part of a total package of up to $50 million to support Glencore mine workers and the broader Mount Isa community.
This investment supports the diversification of Queensland’s critical minerals sector, creates a broader demand for skills across the province, and is subject to reporting and community benefit obligations.
Queensland Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment, Cameron Dick, said the State Government is backing the city and region.
“The Isa, as it’s affectionately known by locals, has stood tall as a thriving mining hub for 100 years, and we are investing in the North West so it will continue to prosper for the next hundred.
“We are investing up to $30 million to bring local projects and jobs online sooner. This includes one of the largest copper mines in the region, a phosphate mine and greenfield vanadium mining.”
Mr Dick said the investments will help unlock opportunities months and years sooner.
“The government has selected these projects to support the people of Mount Isa by providing jobs sooner and diversifying industries and skills across the region.
“Mount Isa community can be confident the Queensland Government will continue to support the region.”
Queensland Minister for Resources and Critical Minerals, Scott Stewart, said, “Ensuring there is a strong future for Mount Isa and North West Queensland is a priority for the Miles Government, and this announcement will help create new jobs after Glencore chose to close its underground copper mine and copper concentrator and the Lady Loretta Zinc mine.
“This acceleration fund will help get these major projects off the ground quicker and I’m excited to see a strong future for the region.
“Queensland’s North West Minerals Province has an abundance of critical minerals that can support Australia’s transition to a clean energy future.
“Our Critical Minerals Strategy seeks to help unlock these opportunities and capitalise on the potential for about $500 billion in resources in this region alone.
“Our investments are supporting development of these resources and creating enabling infrastructure, while safeguarding our regional communities.”
Featured image: VanderWolf Images/shutterstock.com
